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Date: 02/13/2013
Views: 2065

Egcweald Windbearn

The first character I ever created for D&D was a fighter by the name of Garth the Unforgettable. He was a long-lived character, up until I started playing in Jim's campaign in high school. For the first session, I created a fighter to whom I gave that name...and he died before the end of the first session. I'd had many fine adventures using that pseudonym, and just couldn't bring myself to use it again after he died so ignominiously. At the time, it just felt better that he cease being Unforgettable.

Around that time, the Dragon published an issue that had a list of I believe Gaelic name roots with which you could put together unique names for your characters. The name I came up with was Egcweald Windbearn (probably not correct, but I've always pronounced it as if the "G" wasn't in there). The name, broken down by roots, meant "possessor of swords, child of the wind". Sounded good cool, right?? Okay, it really did when I was 13.

In the campaign, Egcweald became a legend in his own right and eventually became the template on which later characters were built. Some notable events:

- At second level, he single-handedly defeated a minotaur. The party was in a tight hall, and Egcweald had been the one to get the door open. Unfortunately, the minotaur blocked entry into the room, and the party couldn't get in the doorway to assist. After the battle, he took the horns from the beast and mounted them on his helmet.

- As a small side adventure, the party was asked by the local farmers to help get rid of a grizzly that was terrorizing them. After much searching, and some guerrilla-like tactics from a bear played far too intelligently, the party prevailed outside her lair...only to find her now orphaned cub inside. Before the party could slaughter the cub, Egcweald placed the bear under his protection and "adopted" him as his own. He was named Cuddles, and he was eventually a full-fledged member of the party...he was even knighted for his part in saving the King! Yes, Sir Cuddles.

As our party had a monk, with the Speak with Animals ability, Egcweald learned some grizzly bear phrases to better train and coordinate with Sir Cuddles. He even had his own bear-sized suit of chainmail and a saddle so Egcweald could ride in style!

- Egcweald's unofficial nickname was "Clang". During one of the first adventures, Egcweald was called upon (since he had 18/57 STR) to open a door. Alas, our DM had a vicious sense of humor and the door was actually at the top of a flight of stairs which Egcweald found out the hard way. In plate mail. Needless to say, stealth was no longer an option for the party that night.

Due to his relationship with Cuddles, Egcweald's character has become more akin to a ranger than simple fighter. He typically wears armor no heavier than chain, for example, and travels with nothing he can't carry on himself or Cuddles. You'll see that born out in these character sheets.

Date: 03/01/2012

Size: 8 items

Egcweald-1

The original Egcweald (front). This is an actual character sheet from around 1986 for the original Egcweald Windbearn. He started to morph a little around this point. As you can see, he's got the ability to turn undead. This was an experiment in which

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 545

Egcweald-2

The original Egcweald (back). Primarily devoted to Sir Cuddles, I'd completely forgotten he had other pets as well. Shaagift, which was a hawk given to him by our monk (Shaa) for saving her life at tremendous risk to his own. This was the monk with Spe

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 585

Egcweald-3

Egweald II (front). I don't recall what this character was from. But, we see the trend of his moving to a fighter who relies on footwork, rather than strength due to the dual-classing fighter with thief. Also, his being an Elf brings in the "natur

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 557

Egcweald-4

Egweald II (back).

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 465

Egcweald-5

Egcweald III (front). Another unknown use of the name. Since it's only 1st level, it either was never used or I don't have later versions.

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 472

Egcweald-6

Egcweald III (back)

Date: 03/01/2012

Views: 488

Egcweald-9

Egcweald V (front). Wow, this one's quite unique! A first level Barbarian with "Raging Bear" martial arts style! I really wish I could recall what game THIS was for!